Calamus River
Loup Co. · 70 mi · Class I
—CFS
Loading…Optimal: 100–400 CFS · USGS #06787000
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USGS Gauge
Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area
A crystal-clear, spring-fed Sandhills stream flowing through one of Nebraska's most remote landscapes. The Calamus runs cold and transparent year-round, fed by the Ogallala Aquifer, with visibility rivaling the Dismal. Below Calamus Reservoir, the tailwater supports excellent brown trout fishing in an unlikely prairie setting.
Trip sections
Upper Calamus — Sandhills meadow stream, intimate and remote
Below Calamus Dam — 25 mi, cold tailwater, best paddling and fishing
Outfitters
Calamus Outfitters
Sandhills ranch-based canoe and kayak access
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.